Is this a suitable trailer?

[AZMinyard]

Is there anything wrong with this trailer?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5002

I have a 12? aluminum boat that I have been throwing in the back of my truck. I mostly go fishing with my step-son (age 8) who is not a lot of help when it comes to the loading or unloading and am considering getting a trailer. I?ve seen the one at Harbor Freight and it seems to be less expensive than the local craigslist trailers.

Is it a cheap, unreliable waste of money or will it be more than suitable for hauling my light little boat on trips mostly under 50 miles?

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Is this a suitable trailer?

Those are light duty but not bad. A good coat of real paint won't hurt them. The running gear is fine, just make sure the bearings are well greased. They're made in China, but OK for the money. Just stay out of salt water.

I took one and added fixed bunks to it and a coat of heavy paint right out of the box. Its been fine for over a year so far. They go on sale from time to time here for $250 at the local store. I also used better grade hardware on mine than what it came with, it came with all ungraded bolts and real thin washers that held the frame together. I haul a 12' jon boat on mine. The most important part is how well you assemble it. They come in pieces.
I took two 2x4's and some carpet and bolted them right to the frame end wise and didn't use the two rear bunks it came with. The boards added to the frame and work great with my flat bottom boat. One big advantage is that these trailers are very light, you will start off with all new running gear, and if you take some care when putting it together, it will last you for years.
A comparable trailer at the marina here is about $550, one of these can be set up nice for under $300 including making a pair of nice bunks, some better paint and maybe adding a winch, which they sell for under $20.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this a suitable trailer?

it is a decent light weight trailer.